We have discussed this in the past and the quick answer is: No we don't have any plans to introduce IRC.

Most of the people in Theta Fleet but not all use Skype as the communication tool of choice.

For us IRC does not offer the control or security would we desire or need. We don't have the people to have an administrator or moderator present in the room all the time and it is in our collective experience that is more trouble than it is worth. In addition to that it is not easy to use or accessible to all of our members, IE. Charlie, Thata Fleets Commander is legally blind and has very limited vision and all forms of IRC have issues with her Mac's Accessibility voiceover program.

And many of us just find IRC too clunky.

I am of the opinion that Skype is just a better and more advanced communication tool that includes a voice option and that is the direction Theta Fleet has chosen to go.